U20 World Champions recognized at Olympic Gala

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, September 28, 2016 – The Dominican Republic Olympic Committee paid a tribute of recognition to the volleyball national team that won the FIVB Women’s U20 World Championship held in several cities of Puerto Rico in 2015.

The ceremony took place at the Olympic Gala held on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the Dominican Republic Olympic Committee held at Hotel Jaragua in Santo Domingo presided over by Mr. Luis Mejia Oviedo, president of the institution.

Mr. Cristobal Marte Hoffiz, president of the National Federation Female Program of Volleyball attended the ceremony together with all the members of the championship team led by stellar Brayelin Martinez, who won the honors as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

The Dominican Republic won the gold medal at Hector Sola Bezares Coliseum of Caguas in thrilling fashion winning a dramatic five-set duel against Brazil.

The U20 Women’s Volleyball Team was one of the two teams recognized during the ceremony with the other the baseball team that won the last Baseball World Classic in 2013. Former major league player Moises Alou, who was the general manager of the team, received the trophy on behalf of the members who are currently playing in the Major League Baseball Season.

Several individual athletes, winners of Olympic medals and world championships in different sports were also recognized, including two-time Olympic champion Felix Sanchez, winner of the 400 hurdles in Athens 2004 and London 2012 and also two-time world champion in Edmonton 2001 and Paris 2003.